Burj Al Arab to begin 15th birthday celebrations

Jumeirah Group is to mark the 15th anniversary of the opening of the Burj Al Arab with a year of celebrations at the iconic Dubai hotel.

The hotel welcomed its first guests on December 1, 1999 and, 15 years to the day after that, its operator will kick off the celebrations with a fireworks show combined with‎ 3D mapping projection on its distinctive sail.

“I am delighted that we are celebrating the 15th Anniversary of Burj Al Arab,” said Jumeirah Group presidet and CEO Gerald Lawless. “The original vision of UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to make the Burj Al Arab the internationally recognised symbol of Dubai has been achieved.

“Today when one looks at landmark buildings around the world, what comes to mind will be the Sydney Opera House, the Eiffel Tower, the Taj Mahal and, of course, Burj Al Arab symbolising the great city of Dubai, and the objectives and ambitions of His Highness.”

Burj Al Arab is also collaborating with Hermès – a partner since the hotel first opened – to design limited edition gifts that the property has featured over the last 15 years.

Meanwhile, throughout 2015 it will offer a ‘Best of the Burj’ package, featuring a Rolls-Royce Phantom pick-up, a luxurious suite, a six-course degustation dinner and signature spa experience.

Other initiatives include a dedicated social media campaign, with the hashtag #CelebrateWithBurjAlArab, and a partnership with Make-a-Wish Foundation to grant 15 wishes to children dreaming about experiencing the hotel.